Implements for motocross track maintenance?

[HARBAW]

With a whopping 4 hrs of seat time, I think that my Kub M5400, LA1001 FEL w/teeth doesn't break VERY packed & baked clay to well. Enough power, but not enough traction/weight. I've seen several posts about track maintenance so I'm hoping to borrow from others' experience. What implements would be best? I'm thinking tiller, scarifier, boxblade w/scarifiers, yard rake. Which one would be the best one to buy first, boxblade? Need to mix the soil when it becomes baked/packed & rake out rocks at times. Hopefully replies will help others too.

Thanks!

 

[jay_ch28]

Hey Harbaw,
I have a TC40D that I used to build my track. I think I spent about 200hrs building it. I found that the best way to make new lanes for my track was to use the box blade. I'd set the scarifiers as deep as possible and just drag those behind for a few passes. It also depends on how you are planning on building your track. This is a great way to make some sections pretty rough. Just before I have a bunch of people over I'll do this. The the bikes will make ruts/whoops. Then as it dries it will harden up and get even rougher over time.

I've also heard of people renting a tiller for the PTO to soften the soil, then it is really easy to use the bucket to move dirt around.

 

[HARBAW]

Thanks jay_ch28.
Looks like I need to find a heavy duty boxblade. The Woods units a local dlr are very nice but pricey, about $875. I can get lighter, cheaper units, but I'm afraid I'll bend them in the tough soil with the power I have.

** Can anyone recommend other heavy duty box blades in addition to Woods? The King Kutter units at TSC are fairly light duty compared to the Woods unit.

 

[Glenn9643]

I've got a 6' Bush-hog brand box blade that's been bulletproof. However, I don't remember what I paid for it.

 

[theboman]

Seems a disc would break it up for a FEL with teeth.

Not enough traction with the FEL: Are your tires loaded? Are you using a counter weight on the back? Those two things would help tremendously.

 

[sweettractors]

HARBAW, Welcome! Good to see you on TBN. I think you and I discussed your specific application via phone this week. IMHO, I still feel that a good roto tiller and box blade would be the best combo for what you explained to me, ie, preparing the track and then mixing other various materials into the loose soil as time goes on. A new 74 inch First Choice roto tiller with slip clutch at $1499 and 7 ft Big Bee HD box blade with teeth at $450 + shipping should do all your chores effeciently. --Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New Allied/Buhler 3 Point Hitch 50-60" Snowblowers in Stock Today*

 

[HARBAW]

theboman,
I've never used a disc harrow. Seems to me that until I'm able to mix some material into the clay soil, that it might have a hard time penetrating with all those discs spreading the load, or do I just need to put some heavy items on top of the disc harrow to push it down? Some folks strap logs on top of them.
Rear tires (AG type) are filled & I have a very heavy 6ft grader blade on the 3-pt which provides rear weight.
Thanks!

 

[plumboy]

I have clay soils too but havnt had a problem with hard pack because of all the rain we've had the past couple of years.The main thing is to have a box blade to scrape over the ruts and braking bumps so puddles dont form.Puddles on mx track = disaster.The surfaces of the ramps are easily done with the front loader before(and during)a day of riding.Woops are to hard to maintain so I dont fool with them.But I say the three main tools are fel,boxblade,and a three point hitch disc.the disc doesnt have to be big.The teeth on a boxblade will work but its easier to run over it and not be dagging dirt around with the blade.I had 10 triaxles of sand loam brought in so it does help mixing the clay up.

 

[HARBAW]

Ok guys, my implement needs are clearer now, thanks to your replies. Looks like a disc harrow or tiller may be the first item needed followed by a rake for reducing rocks. Two questions though.

1) Will the disc harrow sink in to baked/packed clay? Need to add weight to it?
2) Seems to me a tiller would be the optimal tool (more $), but I'm concerned about a few VERY rocky sections & potential tiller damage even with a slip-clutch. Seems disc would just roll over those areas unharmed.

Thanks again!

 

[jay_ch28]

I would have the same worry about damage. I have a friend that just got a disk. Hasn't used it yet, we are waiting for spring.

Could you post some pics of your track or a layout. I'm trying to get some ideas for my track. I want to change it up next year with some new jump sections. How big are your jumps, what types?